Underwriters assume that "repair" items are annual/recurring (DTI hit), and depreciated capital improvements are one-time in nature (no DTI hit).

Agree with @Michael Plaks1245 property associated with a residential rental trade or business can be S179ed unless otherwise excluded by the provisions of Sec 179.It should be noted that the only 1250 property allowed under Sec 179 is nonresidential in nature.

They cannot decide what to put as the cause of death, and he was buried 3 weeks ago without an autopsy (the cause of death was 100% natural, although he was not in the best of health).

I'm going to list off some of the lowest hanging fruit from that perspective below:Attic/ceiling space often can be helped immensely by blowing in additional cellulose insulationWindows and all wall terminations should be examined and caulked/filled with expanding foam insulationWalls can often be supplemented with additional insulationRim joists, basement walls Look into selectively upgrading your main appliances (water heater, air conditioning, furnace) with high efficiency unitsOld fridges use a lot of electricity - you might take a look at what you have there and consider upgradingSome utilities have programs to offer rebates/incentives for upgrading much of the above so I'd look into that if I were you!

There is no shortage of people who will help you, but they aren't looking for you, you need to look for them. networking is NOT a natural talent, it's a skill like any other that you get better at with practice. 

Right now I'm in Eureka , CA though with spectacular weather so I'll plant something a bit more exotic in my current job :D Rhododendrons grow naturally here with no watering! 

One of my biggest challenges is overcoming my naturally pessimistic nature. 

You have reserves put aside which is excellent, the VA is no money down, and the income produced by the other 3 units will give you supplemental income while you establish yourself. 

My condos have doubled in appraised value, and in addition they now net a combined 41K per year which is, for me, precious supplemental income.

Bathroom lacks any storage)- Open up kitchen to living room via wall removal, creating breakfast island w/ more storage (unit is approx 650sq.ft. and kitchen has very little natural light)